Lady Indians defeat Northeast 66-61

FULTON, Miss. – Thursday night, the Lady Indians hosted Northeast for the first North Division matchup of the second half of the season. In a tight back-and-forth battle, the Lady Indians were able to regain the lead late to pick up the 66-61 rivalry victory.

Right out of the gate, the game was everything as advertised with the Lady Indians (10-2, 2-0) and defending division champion Lady Tigers exchanging runs and the lead. After falling behind 13-5, Coach Nanci Gray's squad rallied and took a 16-15 lead off a Kealy Wilson (Olive Branch) shot, but at the end of the first quarter the teams were knotted at 17-17.

The Lady Indians had a strong second quarter outscoring Northeast 16-9 to hold a 33-26 lead at the break. 

After halftime, the momentum went in favor of Northeast, but the Lady Indians were able to remain in the lead heading into the fourth and final frame with a 51-48 lead.

Despite leading most of the way, the Lady Indians trailed with just under four minutes to play. However, a Shaniyah Buford (Abbville) three-pointer with just over four minutes to play tied the game at 60-60 and a free throw about a minute later put the Lady Indians back in the lead.

Over the final three minutes, the Lady Indians were able to extend their lead and hold off Northeast to get the victory and improve their current win streak to eight.

Buford led the Lady Indians with 14 points, followed by Taneshia Miller (Greenville) who picked up her fifth double-double this season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Wilson, who scored a career-high 11 points.

The Lady Indians will return to Fulton to face Mississippi Delta for another North Division showdown Thursday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

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